17 PRETTY FACES KNIGHTS

I yawned, covering my mouth slightly as the new gathered knights line-up. It's not my fault if I killed some bunch of morons. Again, if it wasn't for my father's fault, they wouldn't end up dying.

Vien became the new General as soon as I announced her title. She owes me everything she has right now. But I'm not expecting anything in return, if I'm honestly speaking.

That's only a small mark of my gratitude for providing me with such enjoyable amusement and a punishment as she's now burdened with responsibilities. Of course, I have no intention of going to the Knight's den on that particular day. They're not even on my priority list.

If my father's just a genius, Unfortunately, he's not. I pity his lousy performance. Not enough for me to call him a villain.

"Are you sure, these are the knights whose willing to die right now?" I asked as I look at the newest recruits. Their gulps make me want to tease them more. What a delightful sight to behold.

"Yes, Your Majesty—" I cutted Vien off as I return my gaze to the knights.

"We're not here for modeling. Your faces might get scratched by tiger and wolves in the future. I need knights not stupid models." Two words for them. BABY FACES. Perhaps they've been forced by their parents to come and take advantage of the title.

"All of you have such uh—" I inspect them individually as I continue. "Weak body." One falls into the ground as I kicked him at the back of his knee.

"See? You should eat some more." Training them would take a long time with a lot of patience. "It's not my concern, but I hope all of you can exceed my expectations. Do you have the courage to be the future knights of this Kingdom?"

All remains in silence.

"Straight up your shoulders and show me how confident you are!" All of their backs looks like father's posture! It feels like I'm looking to cavemen! Give me a fucking break!

"I DON'T NEED A PRETTY FACE! I NEED WARRIORS! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!" I yelled with a strong voice. Ugh. This hurts my throat. I should have ordered Vien to shout instead.

"Yes, Your Majesty." I frown as soon as I heard their voices. WHAT A MESS! It feels like puberty isn't hitting on them yet.

"I needed a strong voice. ARE YOU ALL A REAL KNIGHTS OR NOT?!" Vien, who's standing straight looks at me with such amusement in her eyes.

"YES, YOUR MAJESTY!" They yelled. It's not bad as a start. Well, I checked their application forms before they get to enter the palace. Some came from nobility and some came from a common family.

I do not favor nobles, nor petty commoners, but I'm looking for someone who has a great leadership. Someone that is responsible to be a Knight Major.

"The first thing you need to remember as a knight is that one must be loyal to the Empire."

"Second, one must have the confidence to proclaim that they're palace's knights." I asked them individually as they proudly yelled their answers.

Vien observes on how I rule the company. SHE must exceed my expectations. I don't need a useless person ruling these bunch of morons.

"Third, one must know how to fight!" The swordfight began. I honestly don't have anything to say. After all they're..

WEAK AND PATHETIC LITTLE MINIONS.

On the other hand, I can't deny that they're very cooperative and determined on standing up even if they lose already. The good thing about this batch was their exceptional sportsmanship towards each other.

Accepting each other's weakness and laugh about how pathetic they are. They're not nice in my sight, but I honestly don't despise it either.

"Your Majesty must be fond of these new recruits. You're staring at them for quite some time now." What a horrible collection of phrases she's spewing.

"Who told you those vile things?" She chuckles as if I allowed her to mock me. "It was just an observation, Your Majesty." I walk to another side as I look at her.

"You have a bad luck on observing people—" My words were cut off as soon as Lithia entered the den. The new knights seem to behave themselves as she walks gracefully.

"I see that you're working well, Hel." And what does she mean by that? Oh, right, she also used to ruin my everyday life for some years now.

"And you need to go—"

"I've made some soup for the knights, and it's lunchtime; aren't you joining us? The lunch is well made today. You should try eating, Hel." I looked at Vien as I gave her the stick.

"Don't be soft and punish whoever cross the line. I will give you one hour to finish your meals including the rest. We will not take a break until 6pm in the evening." She bows as she hears my command.

I went straight ahead to the dining room as father greeted me with such a proud face. "So you're training the knights to be the best!" He claps his hand as I sat on the chair, quietly observing what he's up too.

"Lithia also prepares foods for the knights."

"Yes, father, I could see that. I'm not blind." He coughs as he rubs his hands together. "So, have you picked someone already? It's about time to choose your spouse, Hel." I drink some water as I try to decipher his plans.

"I will tell you about my decision tomorrow, father. It is not something that can be prepared too easily." He nods as he continues to eat.

"That's right. After all, your requirements matter. But it's also good if you picked the Grand Duke's daughter. She's an ideal woman for a bride. Elegant and intelligent at the same time, what do you think?"

Devourah Le Fleur. The eldest daughter of the Grand Duke. I've met her before the annoying girl who yelled at the palace' maids and knights. She is absolutely stunning and consider as elegant as father says. But it feels off as she looks like the one who can devour an entire Kingdom with her mind.

I do not hate, nor like her either. Perhaps I should be more cautious in my decisions as I don't want to end up regretting anything.

"Indeed, that Miss Devourah is a good candidate, but father, don't you think it's better to take it easy? My sister should think carefully as this is all about her image?" When did she start to care for my image?

What precisely happened to this vile creature? Are the screws in her brain starts to function well? I'm impressed. She's not being annoying, like she used to. Must be my doings. Did I poison her?

..

Nah. I'm too busy to create troubles for her.

I left as soon as I finished my meals. What did she expect? A gratitude from me? I don't even order her to speak in the first place. "Your Majesty, the knight's ready. They're up for some fight again. ISN'T THAT RIGHT!?" Their joyous expression spreads all over the camp's corner as they yelled; "YES, GENERAL!"

The training starts as soon as Vien raised her sword. While I just keep on looking to every candidate, which suddenly has the potential to be a knight major.

"Whoever wins the fight will be ranked as Majors, Vien. We require four majors and knights that are willing to serve under their command. Those majors should be worthy in my eyes."

"More importantly, those who have a grievance to your decision will be sent home immediately. As I previously stated, I dislike disobedient people. Be aware of you will pick. That's all. I have to work on my matters."

"I trusted you with your position, I hope you won't disappoint me, General Vien." She kneels as her right hand was place on her left. It was like a Deja Vu.

But this time, she's kneeling with a heavy responsibility on her shoulders.

"I'll make sure not to disappoint Her Majesty."

"As you should." I answered shortly. And before I got to leave, I leave her another message. "I expect that you didn't forget our deal from that day, right? She looks at me as she rises up.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Great. Now I wanted you also to keep your eyes to my sister." She looks confused as I turn my back to her.

"Take care of that defenseless, foolish woman. Understood?" I never get to hear her response as I walk away. She must accept my order or I will strip her position away from her.